Raising Awareness

UNHCR Goodwill Ambassador Angelina Jolie

Since becoming a UNHCR Goodwill Ambassador in early 2001, Angelina Jolie has visited more than 20 countries around the world to highlight the plight of millions of uprooted people and to advocate for their protection.

Her interest in humanitarian affairs was piqued in 2000 when she went to Cambodia to film the adventure film, Tomb Raider. Her interest and determination to help the displaced, publicise their plight and lobby for international assistance has never flagged.

When travelling to Sudan and Chad in early 2007, Jolie was so struck by what she had seen that she and her partner, actor Brad Pitt, donated US$1 million to be shared by UNHCR and two other agencies for their work in helping millions of people affected by the crisis in Sudan's Darfur region.

In addition to her extensive field missions for UNHCR, Angelina has been calling attention to the plight of the displaced at the political level in various gatherings, including the annual meeting of the World Economic Forum in Davos.

In 2005 she launched the National Centre for Refugee and Immigrant Children, an organisation that provides free legal aid to asylum-seeking children with no legal representation. She also co-chairs the Education Partnership for Children of Conflict, founded in 2006, which helps fund education programmes for children affected by conflict.

Our Patron

Her Excellency Ms Quentin Bryce AC

Since coming to office in September 2008, Australia's Governor-General Her Excellency Ms Quentin Bryce AC has taken an active role in highlighting Australia's support for the work of United Nations' agencies such as UNHCR.

Earlier this year, Ms Bryce spent nine days touring Africa where she saw firsthand the plight of people – especially women and children – displaced by war, poverty and conflict.

In launching Australia for UNHCR's annual World Refugee Day Breakfast in June this year Ms Bryce drew attention to the plight of ‘the displaced and dispossessed' and commented on 'the outstanding contribution ... of our fellow Australians,  working among the most marginalised and disadvantaged peoples.'

As Ms Bryce said so eloquently, "As a nation, our respect for rights and freedoms, for the worth and dignity of every human being, is essential to our self-understanding, our identity and our way of life."

Australia for UNHCR looks forward to the continuing support of the Governor-General in our mission to engage Australians in making a life-changing difference to refugees.

Our Special Representatives

Ian Chappell

Former Australian Test Cricket Captain, broadcaster and businessman

"I’ve had the opportunity to see UNHCR's work firsthand. I was deeply impressed by the selfless approach of UNHCR workers, their ability to think laterally and to fully utilise the minimal resources they have at their disposal."

Ian Chappell is one of Australia's most successful and respected test cricketers of the '60s and '70s, and Australian Cricket Captain from 1970-1975. It was the Tampa crisis in August 2000 that motivated Ian Chappell to become involved in refugee issues. Believing that there must be a better solution – that desperate, vulnerable people like these were deserving of a fair go – he threw his support behind UNHCR.

Ian has taken part in a range of public awareness and fundraising campaigns, giving strong support to UNHCR's appeal for Afghan refugees. Ian travelled to East Timor in 2002, a trip he considers a crucial part of his refugee education.

Jane Turner

Actor, writer and star of the TV comedy series Kath & Kim

“It's UNHCR's work in the field that I really admire. I am very much a 'doer' and when I saw the practical, hands-on way that UNHCR helps refugees and war-ravaged communities, I wanted to be involved."

One of Australia's most popular female comedians, Jane Turner is best known as Kath, the “high maintenance” mother in the TV hit comedy series Kath & Kim. Jane is keen to inspire generosity in Australians, to help them realise the plight of refugees worldwide and to understand the benefits that come from their donations.

"When you see the difference that our dollars can make out there in the field, it really lifts your spirits," she maintains. "And Australia for UNHCR makes this kind of giving so easy." A natural communicator, Jane Turner brings her trademark warmth and humour to her role as a Special Representative.

Mark Schwarzer

Australian Soccer Star

"Football has opened many doors for me. Becoming a Special Representative allows me to lend a face and a voice to the silent millions whose lives, for their religion, political views or gender, are at risk. Hopefully, through my involvement with UNHCR, I can make a difference, however big or small, to their quality life and in turn open some doors for them."

Mark is a world class international soccer player. He currently plays for the Australian national team the Socceroos and in the English Premiership League in the UK. Mark is committed to helping refugees, especially young people and has been helping to promote the work of UNHCR's Emergency Response Team since becoming a representative in 2006.

Dr Jack Gray

Leading investment and financial consultant

"All organisations and governments utter the mantra that people are their most important asset. Almost none practice what they preach. UNHCR is a rare exception. Having seen how committed and dedicated UNHCR field staff are, increased funding will multiply their considerable effectiveness in helping refugees and displaced persons."

Dr Jack Gray is a leading investment and financial consultant. Jack has a PhD in mathematics, which he taught and researched at the University of NSW before pursuing a career in the financial services sector.

Jack is regularly invited to speak at international and domestic conferences on investing, and regularly publishes in both popular and professional journals. He is passionate about the work of UNHCR and is working with corporate Australia to bring greater awareness to the circumstances of refugees around the world. In 2005 he travelled to Sri Lanka to see the work of UNHCR's Shelter program for those displaced by the tsunami and ongoing civil war.